Unveiling Hidden Harms: Mapping the Spectrum of Gendered Political Violence in Indonesia

Political violence against women (PVAW) is an escalating yet underexplored barrier to inclusive democracy and gender equality. Despite rising female political representation in Indonesia, gender-based violence in electoral contexts, ranging from verbal and psychological to economic and digital abuse, continues to undermine women’s full participation. This study addresses a significant empirical gap by mapping the prevalence and patterns of PVAW during Indonesia’s 2024 general election. Employing a quantitative approach, we surveyed 267 women across five politically competitive provinces: West Sumatra, Central Java, East Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and Banten. We used structured questionnaires derived from the theoretical frameworks of Mona Lena Krook and Juliana Restrepo Sanín, as well as Gabrielle Bardall. The instrument measured five dimensions of violence: verbal, psychological, physical, sexual, and digital. Results showed that over 70% of respondents reported experiencing at least one form of political violence, with verbal and digital abuse being the most prevalent. Further, violence was often underreported due to distrust in institutional mechanisms. These findings suggest that PVAW operates not merely as an individual issue, but as a structural crisis in democracy. The study contributes to the literature on electoral integrity and gendered violence, offering data-driven recommendations for reforming electoral institutions and strengthening gender-sensitive protection policies.